Summary: North Carolina is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the US. Hiking to these waterfalls can be an exhilarating experience for both locals and tourists alike. In this article, we will explore some of the best waterfall hikes in North Carolina and what makes them special.
1. Triple Falls Trail
The Triple Falls Trail is located in the Dupont State Forest and is one of the most popular hiking trails in North Carolina. The trail is a 2.4-mile loop that takes you past three beautiful waterfalls – Triple Falls, High Falls, and Hooker Falls. The trail is easy to moderate in difficulty, making it perfect for families and beginners.
Along the way, you will be surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful scenery as you walk through the forest. The waterfalls are awe-inspiring and will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. You can even take a dip in the cool waters of the falls if you wish.
The trail is well-maintained and marked, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost. It is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is in the spring when the flowers are in full bloom, and the waterfalls are at their best.
2. Linville Falls Trail
The Linville Falls Trail is located in the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area and is one of the most beautiful waterfall hikes in North Carolina. The trail is 1.6 miles long and takes you through a picturesque forest to the stunning Linville Falls.
The waterfall is the main attraction here, and it’s easy to see why. The falls drop more than 90 feet into a deep pool below, creating a mesmerizing sight. You can view the falls from multiple vantage points, including from a platform that has stunning views of the gorge and the waterfall.
The trail is moderate in difficulty, and it’s an excellent option for families and hikers of all skill levels. It’s open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is in the fall when the leaves change color, creating a beautiful backdrop for the waterfall.
3. Crabtree Falls Trail
The Crabtree Falls Trail is located in the Blue Ridge Parkway and is another popular waterfall hike in North Carolina. The trail is a 2.5-mile loop that takes you through a dense forest full of wildflowers and stunning vistas.
Cratre Falls is the star attraction here, and it’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. The falls drop more than 70 feet into a deep pool below, creating a picturesque sight. There are multiple vantage points from where you can view the falls, including a bridge that offers an excellent view of the waterfall.
The trail is moderate in difficulty and is open throughout the year. However, it’s best to visit in the summer when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
4. Catawba Falls Trail
The Catawba Falls Trail is located in Pisgah National Forest and is an easy 1.5-mile hike that takes you through a beautiful forest to the stunning Catawba Falls. The falls drop more than 100 feet into a deep pool below, creating an impressive sight.
The trail is well-maintained, and there are several viewing platforms along the way that offer stunning views of the falls. You can also swim in the cool waters of the pool below the falls if you wish. The trail is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is in the spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
The hike is easy, making it an excellent option for families and hikers of all skill levels. However, be prepared to get your feet wet as you cross a stream near the end of the trail to reach the falls.
5. Rainbow Falls Trail
The Rainbow Falls Trail is located in Gorges State Park and is one of the most beautiful waterfall hikes in North Carolina. The trail is 3.8 miles long and takes you past multiple stunning waterfalls before reaching Rainbow Falls – the main attraction.
The falls drop more than 150 feet into a deep pool below, creating an awe-inspiring sight. The trail is moderate in difficulty and is best suited for experienced hikers. However, the views along the trail are worth the effort, and you will be rewarded with breathtaking scenery and stunning vistas.
The trail is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is after heavy rains when the waterfalls are at their best.
Conclusion:
North Carolina is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the US, and hiking to these waterfalls can be an exhilarating experience. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these waterfall hikes offer something for everyone. From easy family-friendly hikes to more challenging trails for experienced hikers, there’s a waterfall hike for everyone in North Carolina. So, grab your hiking boots and start exploring these stunning waterfalls today!
